Greenway staff meet with Transportation Secretary Buttigieg

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, East Coast Greenway Alliance Deputy Director Niles Barnes and South Carolina & Georgia Manager Brent Buice met with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, House Majority Whip Rep. James E. Clyburn and state and local leadership in Charleston, South Carolina, to discuss how communities and states can best implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was passed in November 2021. 

Of special focus at the session was how greater Charleston is investing in a bus rapid transit system and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements that will help transform how people move, while reducing congestion and improving safety. Federal funding will cover 60% of the project costs with the remainder paid by a county sales tax program.

In addition to the Greenway staff, local leaders onsite included SCDOT's Secretary Christy Hall, BCD Council of Governments Executive Director Ron Mitchum and Charleston City and County Councilmembers. 

Secretary Hall noted the state of South Carolina is changing the traditional playbook on transportation, and it is imperative to design and invest in multiple ways to traverse the area by splitting the mode share.

According to local partner Charleston Moves, “the excitement around Lowcountry Rapid Transit, safe and efficient bicycle and pedestrian connections and bus access was palpable.”

It was a memorable afternoon for the Alliance team, as it looks to make the most of this infrastructure moment. “The East Coast Greenway Alliance is committed to supporting communities from Maine to Florida to plan, design and construct greenway segments and seize the opportunity presented by the record Federal funding now available to complete the trail,” Barnes said.